Protest in Guangzhou: Why would you burn garbage?
Barbie Spa: For the cosmopolitan plastic beauty in you
Obama in China: Long gone, and still headlinin'
Cinematheque: Mulan is finally Chinese again! (and other film news)
Lot o' Hotpot: Three Travellers
While we're on copycats, Starbucks has won a landmark lawsuit against a Shanghai rival that's been using its Chinese name and a similar logo, ending a long drawn-out battle that has lasted three years. Apparently, some very enterprising (but uncreative) Chinese dude registered the name Xingbake (星巴克) before the Seattle-based coffee giant even set foot in China. Xingbake is the Chinese transliteration and name of Starbucks. Think about a German guy running along to register the name Schtahbaks and you get the idea. Anyhow, Shanghai Xingbake has been ordered to stop using the name, pay Starbucks RMB500,000 in compensation and to issue a public apology. Shanghaiist is reminded that when he first set foot in the city four years ago, there was a Moonbucks cafe situated in the Yu Gardens. Does anyone happen to have a picture of the logo? Send it to us, and we'll take you out to coffee (at the real Starbucks of course).
Also on Shanghaiist
Victory for truth and justice: Starbucks wins local court case
Attack of the fake Starbucks
Starbucks leftovers at the Pudong airport
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I think the original case was already ruled on last year, and the most recent development is that the appeal to a higher court was rejected. That's why this sounds like deja vu to some people.
Starbucks won its original lawsuit 3 years ago, along with cash and an apology...and look what happened.
I've just emailed you my picture of "Sunbucks Coffee" taken in 2003 at the Yu Gardens. Enjoy!